Art and Design

Aims and Overview of the Art Department

The aim of the Art and Design department is to give pupils an awareness and understanding of visual language, to give a basic knowledge and appreciation of art and to develop practical skills. The schemes of work are varied demonstrating a wide range of Art disciplines and are under constant review in order to keep up to date with current trends within the Art World. The development of practical skills in two and three dimensional work as well as allowing the pupils a greater understanding of the different mediums and how they are used is paramount within our projects. All pupils will study Art and Design in years 8 – 10 and we aim to foster an enjoyment of the subject for those not attending to study it beyond Key Stage 3 as well as providing a solid foundation for those who do.

Staffing

Facilities

The art department comprises of 3 specialist art classrooms, one of which contains a ceramics area and kiln. We have 3 stores and a small area with 2 computers that pupils may use.

Why Study Art?

Art and Design is a very versatile subject with an abundance of transferable skills including being creative, time management, problem solving, working with others and sharing resources to name but a few. All of which we recognise as key qualities needed for employment today. Through the use of visual communication we promote self expression and creativity as well as instilling mutual respect for others and their work.

During their study pupils will get the opportunity to explore visual and tactile experiences to communicate ideas and meanings. They will build on developing their knowledge of traditional areas such as painting, drawing and ceramics as well as experimenting with various materials, methods and ICT within their work. They are given opportunities to view work of professional artists through gallery visits at Key Stage 5 and are encouraged to attend exhibitions in their own time. They will learn to evaluate work and to appreciate art for the purpose in which it was made. The study of Art and Design develops a pupil’s creative, intellectual and artistic ability. It also provides them with stimulating and challenging opportunities to develop their skills. These include investigating, realising, experimenting and problem solving, which also contribute to their employability. Pupils will have the opportunity to use various materials to help develop skills in 2D and 3D Fine Art and Design. These include drawing, painting, graphic design, textiles design, lens-based media, 3D design, sculpture and critical and contextual studies.

Key Stage 3

Pupils in year 8 and 9 are timetabled for 3 periods of Art and Design a week and year 10 pupils receive 2 periods. Throughout the year we aim to provide the pupils with a wide variety of mediums to enhance their creativity and imagination. They are also encouraged to think independently and be a valuable member when working as part of a group. Mutual respect of each other’s work is also paramount within the classroom.

Year 8 – Schemes of Work

Colour Theory – Henri Matisse – View from a Window

Leaves – Henri Rousseau

Food – Wayne Thiebaud

Doors – Stories & Imagination

Year 9 – Schemes of Work

Fish Project – Paul Klee

Portraits – Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso

Farming – Henry Moore, Paul Bell, Basil Blackshaw

Year 10 – Schemes of Work

Still Life – Paul Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh

African Masks – African Culture

Youth Culture – Peter Blake

GCSE

Specification/Exam Board: CCEA

Overview

The pupils are timetabled for 5 periods with an additional revision class after school one day a week. The course is made up of 2 coursework projects known as ‘The Core Portfolio’ and an externally set examination ‘Working to Stimulus’.

The pupils are encouraged to work in as many mediums as possible and each pupil is taught on an individual basis structuring their projects to their own interests. The wide range of opportunities available for the pupils within this subject area include drawing, painting, graphic design, textile design, lens-based media, critical and contextual studies, 3D design and sculpture.

Art and Design is regarded traditionally as a practical subject concerned primarily with making things in 2 and 3 dimensions. The development of practical skills however is only part of a complete experience of the subject. An Art and Design education develops the intellect, stimulates creative ability and heightens aesthetic awareness, thus enriching the pupils’ lives.

The course develops over 2 years and leads to assessment in the following 2 areas:

A Level

Specification/Exam Board: CCEA

Criteria for Entry: Grade B or above in GCSE Art.

The AS and A2 courses in Art and Design requires students to develop practical and theoretical knowledge and skills. Pupils are timetabled for 8 periods a week with a minimum of 4 additional study periods being allocated to the subject. The AS Level will be completed in Year 13. It may be used as a stepping stone to the A2 advanced level in Year 14 or used as a ‘stand alone’ qualification.

Students are encouraged to develop: intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive powers; investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills an understanding of the interrelationships between art, craft and design processes and an awareness of the contexts in which they operate; knowledge, understanding and application of art, craft, design and media, and technologies in contemporary and past societies and cultures; and an awareness of different roles, functions and audiences and consumers of art, craft and design practice.

AS LevelUnit 1 – Coursework Portfolio

Coursework combining a number of 2D/3D strands leading to one main outcome

Unit 2 – Externally Set Assignment

This unit consists of an externally set task requiring preparatory work and a final response completed as a controlled test component. The theme/starting points for this unit will be presented in an examination paper.

A2 LevelUnit 1 – Personal Investigation

A personal study combining practical and written work leading to a final outcome.

Unit 2 – Externally Set Assignment

This unit consists of an externally set task requiring preparatory work and a final response completed as a controlled test component. The theme/starting points for this unit will be presented in an examination paper.